by Council Staff | Feb 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Juan M. Pichardo, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
Thursday, February 20, 2025
At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, Councilors passed a resolution, introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Councilwoman Helen Anthony, and Councilor Sue AnderBois, in support of recommendations made by the State Senate Special Commission for the Providence Public School District.
At recent meetings, the Council Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education (HOPE) heard from key experts regarding the commission’s findings, including State Senator Sam Zurier, former PPSD Superintendent Susan Lusi, educational consultant Steven Smith, and Empower Schools partner Matthew Matera. The resolution supports the state commission’s recommendations to address systemic issues through collaborative labor-management practices, increased autonomy for schools, and the exploration of establishing customized organizational models.
“Senator Zurier’s commission lays out an evidence-backed, realistic action plan that prioritizes student outcomes, strengthens collaboration, and ensures transparent governance,” said President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo. “These recommendations would help set the stage for a successful return to local control. In this pivotal moment for Providence Public Schools, we must continue to create opportunities for all of our students to succeed.”
Councilors also passed a resolution, introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves, to advance electric vehicle infrastructure in Providence. The resolution aims to support updates to the city’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Study and expanded installation of charging infrastructure throughout the city.
“As the climate crisis intensifies, Providence must expand infrastructure for alternative transportation options, including electric vehicles,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves. “In collaboration with the mayor’s administration, we’ve been working to explore ways to make our city EV friendly, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and transition municipal vehicles to clean energy.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council President Rachel Miller introduced a resolution, by the administration’s request, in support of RI House Bill H-5335, which would return Providence Public School District to local control in July of this year. The resolution was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
- Council passed multiple resolutions, by the administration’s request, supporting legislation recently introduced in the General Assembly, including RI House Bill H-5307, which would allow city leadership to set and adjust property tax exemptions for veterans; H-5314, which would grant municipalities authority to impose a parking services sales tax; and H-5389, which would limit the withholding authority of the RIDE commissioner.
- Council passed a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan that will allow the City of Providence to enter a twinning partnership agreement with the Town of Athlone, Ireland.
- Council approved several street naming resolutions, both honorary and official. These approvals included the official renaming of Richardson Street and Park in honor of the late Cedric Huntley, former director of the Nonviolence Institute.
En la reunión del Concejo Municipal de Providence de esta noche, los concejales aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo, la concejala Helen Anthony, y la concejala Sue AnderBois, en apoyo de las recomendaciones realizadas por la Comisión Especial del Senado Estatal para el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence.
En reuniones recientes, el Comité Especial sobre Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación (HOPE por sus siglas en ingles) escuchó a expertos clave sobre las conclusiones de la comisión, incluyendo al senador estatal Sam Zurier, la ex superintendente del PPSD Susan Lusi, el consultor educativo Steven Smith, y el socio de Empower Schools Matthew Matera. La resolución apoya las recomendaciones de la comisión estatal para abordar problemas sistémicos a través de practicas de colaboración entre los trabajadores y la administración, una mayor autonomía para las escuelas, y la exploración del establecimiento de modelos organizativos personalizados.
“La comisión del senador Zurier presenta un plan de acción realista y respaldado por evidencia que prioriza los resultados de los estudiantes, fortalece la colaboración, y garantiza una gobernanza transparente,” dijo el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo. “Estas recomendaciones ayudarían a sentar las bases para un retorno exitoso al control local. En este momento crucial para las Escuelas Publicas de Providence, debemos seguir creando oportunidades para que todos nuestros estudiantes tengan éxito.”
Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves, para mejorar la infraestructura para vehículos eléctricos en Providence. La resolución tiene como objetivo respaldar las actualizaciones del Estudio de la Flota de Vehículos Eléctricos y ampliar la instalación de infraestructura de carga en toda la ciudad.
“A medida que se intensifica la crisis climática, Providence debe ampliar la infraestructura para opciones de transporte alternativas, incluidos los vehículos electrónicos,” dijo el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves. “En colaboración con la administración del alcalde, hemos estado trabajando para explorar formas de hacer nuestra ciudad compatible con los vehículos electrónicos, reducir la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles, y hacer una transición de los vehículos municipales a energía limpia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
- La presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller presentó una resolución, a pedido de la administración, apoyando el proyecto de ley H-5335 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que devolvería el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence al control local en julio de este año. La resolución fue referida al Comité Especial de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones, a pedido de la administración, apoyando la legislación presentada recientemente en la Asamblea General, incluido el proyecto de ley H-5307 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que permitiría a los lideres de la ciudad establecer y ajustar las exenciones de impuestos a la propiedad para los veteranos; H-5314, que otorgaría a los municipios la autoridad para imponer un impuesto a las ventas de servicios de estacionamiento; y H-5389, que limitaría la autoridad de retención de la comisionada de RIDE.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan que permitiría a la ciudad de Providence firmar un acuerdo de asociación con la ciudad de Athlone, Irlanda.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones de denominación de calles, tanto honorarias como oficiales. Estas aprobaciones incluyeron el cambio de nombre oficial de la calle y el parque Richardson en honor al difunto Cedric Huntley, ex director del Nonviolence Institute.
by Council Staff | Feb 10, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Rachel Miller
Monday, February 10, 2025
This afternoon, state officials invited the media—but not elected city leaders—to an impromptu announcement of what they call a “Path to Local Control” framework. In response, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:
“Today, RIDE and the Governor unveiled a series of conditions the city must meet before regaining control of our schools, without engaging city leaders or addressing us directly. City Council wasn’t briefed on this framework, nor was the mayor’s administration. Instead, we learned about it from the press.
The city has repeatedly extended our hand to RIDE—ready, eager, and committed to work in partnership to ensure the best path for Providence students. They have repeatedly refused to take it. This blatant lack of transparency and collaboration only deepens distrust—a clear disservice to our shared work to improve student outcomes.
While we welcome the prospect of an earlier return to local control, this process cannot exclude the municipal decision-makers who will implement the transition. The state’s failure to engage directly with city leaders further affirms the Council’s position that Providence Public Schools must return to local control in July 2025.”
by Council Staff | Feb 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Althea Graves, Council News, Jim Taylor, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller, Shelley Peterson
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s five school board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region 5). Following an extensive vetting process, the five appointees will join the five elected members – Corey Jones (Region 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Region 2), Heidi Silverio (Region 3), Mireya Mendoza (Region 4), and Ty’Relle Stephens (Region 5) – to complete the ten-member, hybrid board. Immediately following the meeting, nine of the members were sworn in by Mayor Brett Smiley and Probate Court Judge John E. Martinelli. One elected member was not able to attend and will be sworn in separately in the near future.
“The new school board is made up of passionate members,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Their swearing in is a renewed opportunity to bring forth the transformative change that our students are calling for. This new board has a deeply important job ahead: ushering in a successful return to local control and meaningfully improving student outcomes. Now, the work begins – building a school system that truly serves every Providence student. City Council is here as a partner.”
Council Passes Resolution in Support of RI House Speaker Shekarchi’s SAVE Units Legislation
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, urging the passage of RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi’s Supportive and Versatile Emergency (SAVE) Units legislation (H5100). The legislation would remove bureaucratic barriers and expedite the process for municipalities to build emergency shelter units for unhoused residents.
“As we work toward long-term affordable housing solutions, we cannot let unnecessary red tape delay lifesaving emergency projects,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal. “Every winter, we’ve been in the same situation: endless shelter waitlists and limited options for our unhoused constituents. We are proud to support Speaker Shekarchi’s efforts to make necessary change in state requirements. This legislation would allow our city to move with the urgency the housing and homelessness crises demand.”
Council Passes Resolution Thanking Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center Staff for Emergency Shelter Efforts
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, thanking outreach organization Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center staff for their invaluable support in operating an emergency warming shelter during some of the coldest weeks this winter. The emergency shelter at the DaVinci Center provided overnight refuge to up to 50 unhoused residents in freezing temperatures during its nights in operation.
“Our city’s unhoused residents deserve more than temporary fixes – but when government officials drag their feet, it’s the community that steps up,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “The DaVinci Center and Better Lives RI staff didn’t hesitate, opening their doors and saving lives during freezing temperatures. Without their leadership, and support from countless volunteers and organizations across the city, it wouldn’t have been possible. We refuse to accept a system that leaves people out in the cold, and we will continue our fight for comprehensive solutions, not just emergency measures.”
Additional Highlights
El Concejo Confirma los Nombramientos de la Junta Escolar, Se Juramentó a la Junta Híbrida
Providence, RI – En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó los cinco nombramientos de la junta escolar del alcalde Brett Smiley: Melissa Hughes (Región 1), Anjel Newmann (Región 2), Jenny Mercado (Región 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Región 4) y Steven Williamson (Región 5). Después de un extenso proceso de investigación, los cinco designados se unirán a los cinco miembros electos – Corey Jones (Región 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Región 2), Heidi Silverio (Región 3), Mireya Mendoza (Región 4) y Ty’Relle Stephens (Región 5) – para completar la junta híbrida de diez miembros. Inmediatamente después de la reunión, nueve de los miembros fueron juramentados por el alcalde Brett Smiley y el juez del Tribunal de Sucesiones John E. Martinelli. Un miembro electo no pudo asistir será juramentado separadamente en un futuro cercano.
“La nueva junta escolar está formada por miembros apasionados,” dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Su juramentación es una nueva oportunidad para generar el cambio transformativo que nuestros estudiantes están pidiendo. Esta nueva junta tiene una tarea sumamente importante por delante: marcar el comienzo de un regreso exitoso al control local y mejorar significativamente los resultados de los estudiantes. Ahora, el trabajo comienza—construyendo un sistema escolar que verdaderamente sirva todos los estudiantes de Providence. El Concejo está aquí como socio.”
El Concejo Aprueba Resolución Apoyando a la Legislación sobre Unidades SAVE del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de RI Shekarchi
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal, instando la aprobación de la legislación (H5100) sobre unidades de emergencia versátiles y de apoyo (SAVE, por sus siglas en inglcs). La legislación eliminaría las barreras y aceleraría el proceso para que los municipios construyan unidades de refugio de emergencia para los residentes sin hogar.
“Mientras trabajamos para lograr soluciones de viviendas de bajo costo a largo plazo, no podemos permitir que obstáculos burocráticos innecesarios retrasen proyectos de emergencia que salvan vidas,” dijo el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal. “Cada invierno, hemos estado en la misma situación: listas de espera interminables para refugios y opciones limitadas para nuestros constituyentes sin hogar. Estamos orgullosos de apoyar los esfuerzos del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes Shekarchi. Esta legislación permitiría a nuestra ciudad avanzar con la urgencia que exigen las crisis de vivienda y de personas sin hogar.”
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Agradece al Personal de Better Lives RI y el DaVinci Center por sus Esfuerzos de Refugio de Emergencia
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, que agradece al personal de la organización comunitaria Better Lives RI y del DaVinci Center por su apoyo invaluable en la operación de un refugio de calentamiento de emergencia durante algunas de las semanas más frías de este invierno. El refugio de emergencia del DaVinci Center brindó refugio nocturno a hasta 50 residentes sin hogar en temperaturas gélidas durante sus noches de funcionamiento.
“Los residentes sin hogar de nuestra ciudad merecen más que soluciones temporales – pero cuando los funcionarios del gobierno se demoran, es la comunidad que da un paso al frente,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “El personal del DaVinci Center y de Better Lives RI no dudó, abrieron sus puertas y salvaron vidas durante temperaturas gélidas. Sin su liderazgo, y el apoyo de innumerables voluntarios y organizaciones de toda la ciudad, no habría sido posible. Nos negamos a aceptar un sistema que deja a la gente en la calle, y continuaremos nuestra lucha por soluciones integrales, no solo medidas de emergencia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
by Council Staff | Jan 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Housing, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Miguel Sanchez, Rachel Miller
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Councilors approved a resolution calling on Governor Dan McKee to take immediate action and address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health state of emergency. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Justin Roias, will be sent to the offices of Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Brett Smiley.
On Tuesday, Councilor Justin Roias and Councilor Miguel Sanchez took direct action, working with local service providers to open the Council Chamber for unhoused constituents to get warm amid plummeting, life threatening temperatures because of inadequate shelter availability. On Wednesday, the two councilors continued their efforts, opening the DaVinci Center as a temporary overnight warming center with the Mayor’s approval. Over 70 volunteers from the community have stepped up to provide donations and assist trained staff.
“This week, we saw firsthand what compassion and action can achieve when public servants and community members come together,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Homelessness is rising, and not just in Providence. It’s a statewide crisis. Rhode Islanders are freezing on our streets, and we cannot address this alone. Governor McKee must step up and declare homelessness a public health emergency to mobilize needed resources. We need immediate investment to increase the availability of life-saving short-term solutions, and we need to come together at every level of government to address decades-long systemic failures. Further inaction will cost lives.”
“This resolution is a call for leadership at the state level because our unhoused neighbors cannot wait any longer,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “Emergency shelter beds are in short supply, and warming centers where people sit in chairs all night are not a solution – they’re a sign of how deeply our system has failed. Governor McKee must declare a public health emergency and take bold, immediate action to ensure no one else is left out in the cold.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, supporting the newly formed Atlantic Mills Commercial Tenants Union. The resolution celebrates the first commercial tenants’ union in the state and emphasizes its importance in the face of skyrocketing rents, displacement, and gentrification.
- Council approved a resolution, presented by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, honoring the life and legacy of Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. After her recent passing on December 21,2024, Council uplifts her memory as a compassionate advocate in service of the unhoused.
- Council approved a resolution, introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and vetted by the Committee on Finance, that grants tax abatement for affordable housing project, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- Council referred phase one of the amended zoning ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances. The suggested changes outlined in the ordinance were recommended by the City Department of Planning and Development in alignment with the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Pide al Gobernador McKee que Declare la Falta de Vivienda como Estado de Emergencia de Salud Pública
En la reunión de esta noche, los concejales de la ciudad de Providence aprobaron una resolución que pide al gobernador Dan McKee que tome medidas inmediatas y aborde la crisis de las personas sin hogar declarando un estado de emergencia de salud pública. La resolución, presentada por el concejal Justin Roias, se enviará a las oficinas del gobernador Dan McKee y del alcalde Brett Smiley.
El martes, el concejal Justin Roias y el concejal Miguel Sánchez tomaron acción directa, trabajando con proveedores de servicios locales para abrir la Cámara del Concejo para que los electores sin vivienda se calentaran en medio de la caída de temperaturas que amenazaban sus vidas debido a la disponibilidad inadecuada de refugios. El miércoles, los dos concejales continuaron con sus esfuerzos y abrieron el DaVinci Center como un centro de calentamiento temporal durante la noche con la aprobación del alcalde. Más de 70 voluntarios de la comunidad se han ofrecido para brindar donaciones y ayudar al personal capacitado.
“Esta semana, vimos de primera mano lo que la compasión y la acción pueden lograr cuando los funcionarios públicos y los miembros de la comunidad se unen”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “La falta de vivienda está aumentando, y no solo en Providence. Es una crisis estatal. Los habitantes de Rhode Island se congelan en nuestras calles y no podemos abordar esto solos. El gobernador McKee debe intensificar sus esfuerzos y declarar la falta de vivienda como una emergencia de salud pública para movilizar los recursos necesarios. Necesitamos una inversión inmediata para aumentar la disponibilidad de soluciones a corto plazo que salven vidas, y debemos unirnos en todos los niveles de gobierno para abordar fallas sistémicas que duran décadas. Una mayor inacción costará vidas.”
“Esta resolución es un llamado al liderazgo a nivel estatal porque nuestros vecinos sin hogar no pueden esperar más,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “Hay muy pocas camas en los refugios de emergencia, y los centros de calentamiento donde las personas se sientan en sillas toda la noche no son una solución; son una señal de cuán profundamente ha fallado nuestro sistema. El gobernador McKee debe declarar una emergencia de salud pública y tomar medidas audaces e inmediatas para garantizar que nadie más se quede afuera en el frío.”
Aspectos destacados adicionales de la reunión
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por el jefe de la mayoría Miguel Sánchez, en apoyo al recién formado sindicato de inquilinos comerciales de Atlantic Mills. La resolución celebra el primer sindicato de inquilinos comerciales del estado y destaca su importancia frente al aumento vertiginoso de los alquileres, el desplazamiento y la gentrificación.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris, en honor a la vida y el legado de Ruth “Diamond” Madsen. Después de su reciente fallecimiento el 21 de diciembre de 2024, el Concejo enaltece su memoria como defensora compasiva al servicio de las personas sin hogar.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución, presentada por la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris y examinada por el Comité de Finanzas, que otorga una reducción de impuestos para el proyecto de vivienda asequible, Joseph Caffey Apartments.
- El Concejo remitió la Concejo remitió la primera fase de la ordenanza de zonificación enmendada al Comité de Ordenanzas. Los cambios sugeridos que se describen en la ordenanza fueron recomendados por el Departamento de Planificación y Desarrollo de la Ciudad en consonancia con el Plan Integral 2024 de la Ciudad.
by Council Staff | Dec 29, 2024 | Blog, Mary Kay Harris, Rachel Miller
Across Providence, dozens of community gardens have offered residents more than just a place to grow food. Putting down roots in South Providence in 1981 with a single community garden, Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) has grown into a vibrant network of 58 gardens across Rhode Island. In 2023, they organized programs benefitting over 23,000 people and grew over 67,000 pounds of food that nourished our neighbors. But their impact cannot be measured with numbers alone.
Council members past and present have appreciated firsthand how SCLT has transformed neglected lots into thriving gardens that are now fixtures of our neighborhoods. Not only do these gardens offer culturally familiar food to all who need it, they are hands-on learning opportunities for young people and a self-sustaining solution to flooding issues. From celebrating their thirty years of service to helping them secure a 20-year lease of a city-owned lot, the Council has been a long-time supporter of SCLT.
“It’s been a godsend to have help from Council members to make use of underutilized land in Providence,” said Rochelle Lee, President of the Board of Directors of SCLT. “The City Council has been our partner since day one, supporting our mission to give folks healthy food, garden access, and job training at no cost.”
Under the leadership of Council President Rachel Miller, the Council has worked to strengthen its relationship with SCLT. In the city’s 2023 budget, the Council approved $45,000 of federal funds to improve gardens located on Potters Avenue with fences, irrigation systems, and paths. Later in 2023, SCLT finalized work on 404 Broad Street—a building complex where they sell produce to local business and lease retail space to restaurants. In early 2024, Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris worked with Senator Tiara Mack and Representative Jose Batista to ensure that this new development could operate with tax exempt status. Meanwhile, Councilor Miguel Sanchez advocates to extend SCLT’s leases of six city-owned lots on Manton Avenue by ten years.
“Southside Community Land Trust is a shining example of community-driven organizing that makes Providence a better place to live,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris. “Children, adults, and elders all play their parts to help run these community gardens and grow the food that is needed in our communities.”
As we look forward to another year of service to the people of Providence, the Council will continue to prioritize easy access to basic needs, from healthy food to affordable housing, environmental justice to quality education for our young people.
by Council Staff | Dec 29, 2024 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller
On Friday, a tank with 3,000 gallons of corn oil caught fire at the Port of Providence. In response, Council President Rachel Miller and Majority Leader Pedro Espinal released the following statement:
“We’re grateful to the firefighters from Providence, East Providence, Cranston, Johnston, Cumberland, and North Smithfield whose heroic efforts contained yet another massive blaze at the Port of Providence. Without their swift action, this fire could have had catastrophic consequences for the health and safety of South Providence residents. This latest incident underscores the ongoing environmental and public health risks posed by activity at the port. We cannot afford to grow numb to these repeated disasters. We need companies operating at the port to take immediate action to reduce hazardous and polluting operations. And we need government partners to work with us to ban dirty and reckless uses at the port.
Last week, the city scored a significant legal victory against Sea 3, a fossil fuel company seeking to irresponsibly expand their liquid petroleum gas delivery and storage. In coming months, Providence City Council and the City Plan Commission will align the city’s zoning ordinance with the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan—which put the Port of Providence on a new path away from heavy polluters and toward environmental justice. We don’t need more studies or delays; we need action. 2024 was a year of environmental disasters at the port. Let’s make 2025 the year we put an end to them.”
